“You have big plans for the weekend?” Marcus asked.
“Does doing laundry count as big plans?” I replied.
He laughed, and though the mask obscured most of his face, there was no missing those full, juicy lips of his. They were visible and entirely too appealing. And the sound of his husky laughter did things to me, making my pulse quicken despite myself.
“I figured you’d have a hot date.” His eyes focused on me.
“Nothing so exciting,” I told him, a little embarrassed. NowI wished I did have plans so I wouldn’t come across as lame with nothing to do all weekend.
After waiting for traffic to pass, we walked across the street and stopped in front of my building. As we faced each other, the moment felt significant. Maybe because I knew I wouldn’t see them again for a while. He couldn’t feed Noah ice cream every day forever, and today was Friday, which meant I wouldn’t be here even if they did come tomorrow.
“It was good to see you both again, and I’m very impressed with his progress.” I patted Noah’s back. “I hope you feel better,” I said gently.
He didn’t say a word, but acknowledged me with a whimper.
“I guess I’ll be stopping at the pharmacy for some kiddie Pepto-Bismol,” Marcus said.
Noah lifted his head. “Miss Julia, we’re going to the zoo tomorrow. Do you want to come with us?”
I blinked, surprised by the question. “The zoo?” I repeated, my gaze landing on Marcus’s face.
“Don’t listen to him. I’m sure you have?—”
“We get to feed the goats and everything. You should come,” Noah said.
“I don’t think it’ll be that exciting for you. We’re going to the children’s petting zoo,” Marcus explained.
Was he trying to convince menotto come?
“You should come,” Noah insisted. “Do you have to work?”
The expectation on his face tugged at my emotions. This sweet little boy was asking me to be part of his day. Practically speaking, I felt as if this was crossing a line. Afternoon visits were one thing, but I didn’t spend time with clients on the weekend. Doing so could complicate our relationship.
“You could come... if you wanted to,” Marcus said.
“Well... I don’t have to work tomorrow.” I looked at him, trying to gauge his true feelings.
“Then you should come with us,” he said firmly.
The invitation from him sealed my decision. “I haven’t been to the petting zoo before, but it sounds like a good time. Thanks for the invitation, Noah. I would love to join you.” I smiled at both him and Marcus.
“Yay!” Noah said softly, raising his fisted left hand.
“What time?” I asked Marcus.
“I need to go into the office for the first part of the morning to handle some paperwork, so I was thinking about ten-thirty-ish, if that works for you? We could meet at the zoo and hang out for a couple of hours.”
“Sounds good,” I said, making sure I spoke in an even tone though I was jumping up and down on the inside. Not good.
I was way too excited about spending more time with Marcus and this little guy. But especially Marcus.
“Uncle Marcus said I’ll get to feed the goats. Did you know that goats can climb really good? I get to see the goats and the sheep and the chickens, but I really really want to see the goats.” Noah then dumped all the information he knew about goats into the conversation, though much of what he said sounded like a combination of television and imagination.
Sorry, Marcus mouthed.
I didn’t mind. The kid’s enthusiasm was infectious.
Finally, Marcus interrupted him. “Robin and I have to go now,” he said, covering the boy’s mouth mid-sentence as he was in the middle of explaining the different species of goats. “We’ll see you tomorrow at the entrance to the zoo?”
